Story Published:
Jun 8, 2007 at 9:38 AM CST
Story Updated:
Jun 8, 2007 at 9:38 AM CST
Parents will have another option to consider when getting their teenagers ready for school this fall. A new vaccine is now available to protect against meningitis - a vaccine that is being recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Children who are 11 or 12 years old and high school and college freshmen are being encouraged by the Academy of Pediatrics to get the shot. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also recommended routine vaccination for the pre-adolescent group.
Invasive meningococcal disease occurs in three common clinical forms: meningitis, blood infection, and pneumonia. Meningococcal infections can be treated with drugs such as penicillin but about one out of every 10 cases can prove fatal. This is why preventing the disease through use of vaccine is important for people at highest risk. Meningitis is an infection of fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. It also causes blood infections.
Typical symptoms include headache and stiff neck but can also start as flu-like conditions that can progress to organ failure and tissue damage. A vaccine, like any medication, can possibly cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions; however the risk is extremely small.
The new vaccine was approved for general use in January. The early teenage and college age students are encouraged to consider vaccination because they traditionally become more socially active and are exposed to more germs. College dormitories also expose students because close quarters spread disease easily. Only a single shot is required for protection for up to 10 years. Earlier vaccines were effective for a much shorter time.
Besides the 11- to 12-year-olds and pre-college segment, other people at risk of the disease should consider vaccination. Those include:
- U.S. military recruits
- Anyone traveling to, or living in, a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common, such as parts of Africa.
- Anyone who has a damaged spleen or whose spleen has been removed.
- Anyone with immune system disorders.
- Anyone who might have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak.
The Pediatric Academy hopes that within three years all U.S. adolescents will receive routine meningitis shots at age 11. Parents should check with their health insurer since not all insurance companies will cover the cost of the vaccination.
For more information contact Methodist at Mt. Hawley - Pediatrics at 692-6088.
Dr. Maini is a pediatrician with Methodist at Mt. Hawley - Pediatrics, where she provides outstanding healthcare for children from birth through age 18.
